Electoral Bodies in Zambia and Malawi Prioritise Transparency

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has distributed a roadmap for the 2026 General Elections to all stakeholders in a bid to enhance transparency and accountability. This move was reinforced by the Ministry of Justice’s Technical Committee, which submitted a report on electoral reforms on Tuesday.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on Health Information Ecosystems and Elections in Zambia and Malawi, held in Lusaka, ECZ Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi underscored the importance of reliable and accessible information. He stressed that informed participation in the electoral process not only improves public trust but also strengthens policy analysis and decision-making.

Chipenzi also addressed the growing threat of misinformation, particularly through social media, which he said has led to a surge in fake news, hate speech, and disinformation. To counter this, he encouraged media houses to broadcast accurate and inclusive coverage of all political parties. He further announced that the ECZ will maintain an open-door policy before, during, and after the 2026 elections to allow media, stakeholders, and the public to seek clarity on electoral matters.

From Malawi, Lawrence Lunguzi of the Malawi Electoral Commission shared that preparations are already underway for their upcoming general elections in September 2025. Efforts are being made to boost public awareness and improve the dissemination of accurate information, especially through digital platforms.

Meanwhile, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the African Union’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, urged both commissions to prioritise public access to information. She emphasised the need to use local languages to foster greater participation in the democratic process.